EmergencY contact numbers & details - Animal …€¦ · Web viewFeed only quality stock feed as per animal feed section ☐ If using a chemical observe withholding periods and ensure

SALEYARD BIOSECURITY PLANVersion 1.0 July 2018

Biosecurity Plan Details

Saleyard name and location: Saleyard owner:

Saleyard PIC: Saleyard manager:

Saleyard vet: (this is the contact vet, it does not have to be a permanent employee)

Saleyard contact numbers:

Size of saleyard: (area and livestock capacity)

Species saleyard sells:

Date Implemented:

Date last reviewed:

Version:

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS & DETAILS

EMERGENCY ANIMAL DISEASE WATCH HOTLINE 1800 675 888

EXOTIC PLANT PEST HOTLINE 1800 084 881

LOCAL COUNCIL

ELECTRICITY PROVIDER

WATER SERVICES

LOCAL ANIMAL HEALTH OFFICE NUMBER (Local Lands Services, DPI, Biosecurity Queensland etc.)

STATE/TERRITORY AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT CALL CENTRE

VETERINARIAN

UHF CHANNEL

OTHER

TABLE OF CONTENTSEmergency Contact Numbers & Details.................................................................................................2

Purpose.................................................................................................................................................4

How To Fill In This Plan..........................................................................................................................4

Definitions.............................................................................................................................................5

Stock Inventory......................................................................................................................................8

Weekly Sales:.....................................................................................................................................8

Monthly Or Annual Sales:..................................................................................................................8

Weekly Transit Center Figures (If Known):........................................................................................9

Monthly Or Annual Transit Center Figures (If Known)::.....................................................................9

Roles And Responsibilities...................................................................................................................10

Saleyards Responsibilities................................................................................................................10

Agent Responsibilities......................................................................................................................10

Saleyard Biosecurity Risk Management...............................................................................................11

Livestock And Other Animals...........................................................................................................11

Water...............................................................................................................................................16

Animal Feed.....................................................................................................................................18

Effluent / Carcass Management.......................................................................................................20

Invasive Species...............................................................................................................................22

Soil/Propagation..............................................................................................................................23

Emergency Weather Event Planning...............................................................................................23

Emergency Disease Planning...........................................................................................................25

People Vehicles And Equipment......................................................................................................26

Training............................................................................................................................................29

Record Management.......................................................................................................................30

Appendix 1: Ead Action Plan................................................................................................................33

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PURPOSE The purpose of implementing sound biosecurity practices is to:

Prevent the introduction of biosecurity matter into the saleyard Prevent or minimise the spread of biosecurity within the saleyard grounds Prevent the spread of biosecurity matter out of the saleyard

The purpose of this plan is to:

Minimise the spread of animal diseases throughout Australia Minimise the spread of weeds throughout Australia Promote a standard of best practice for saleyard operators to utilise Outline emergency disease protocols Support saleyard operators and employees in the event of a national standstill

HOW TO FILL IN THIS PLAN 1. Use this plan template in conjunction with the AHA risk assessment fact sheet. 2. The template lists sections that identify and group risk. 3. The first column identifies specific risks that are posed under that section. 4. The second column lists procedures that you may undertake in your facility, if you implement any of

these procedures in your business then tick the applicable boxes. 5. The third column allows you to record processes that you may do differently or to describe an

additional process. Describe how you specifically manage the risk on your property in the procedure section by describing how you implement best practice on your property or what steps you have in place instead of the best practice recommendation.

6. The fourth column requires you to identify the risk by combining the consequence of the risk with the likelihood that the risk will occur using the AHA risk assessment fact sheet or a risk assessment matrix of your choosing. This can be done by assessing the risk as it stands on your property at the time of doing this plan. This includes bringing into account processes that are already in place.

7. If after assessing the risk, the risk rating is high or above (with the exception of the exotic disease outbreak category) consider implementing more biosecurity practices to decrease the likelihood or consequence of an occurrence.

4

DEFINITIONS Active surveillance Programs investigating the presence of specific diseases or pests. These

can be state based or national based and are used to demonstrate freedom from disease and pests to our international markets, establish free or endemic zones, or for early detection of disease or pest incursion. Examples include National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies/Bucks for Brains (BSE in sheep and cattle), National Arbovirus Monitoring Program, Screw Worm Fly (northern Australia only), National Significant Disease Investigation (NSDI) Program.

Animal Health Declaration

A legal declaration that provides information about the animal health status of a flock or herd when buying, selling or moving livestock. It is available for sheep, cattle, goats and South American camelids.

Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines

Documents that set out producer responsibilities and recommendations in relation to animal welfare for sheep, goats and cattle. The standards are those which must be met under your state or territory legislation. The guidelines are recommended be adopted as best practice.

Bund wall A bund wall or bunding is a constructed retaining wall around storage where potential polluting substances are handled/stored, built for the purposes of containing any unintended escape of material from that area (eg: faeces, urine and weed seeds).

Clinical Signs Any indication of a disease or condition that can be observed. For example, increased temperature, loss of body condition, lameness, drooling or diarrhea.

Commodity Vendor Declaration

Legal declaration that provides information about chemicals used on any purchased commodity, including stock feed. It can be used to help manage potential chemical residues in your livestock.

Emergency Animal Disease (EAD)

These diseases pose a serious risk to the Australian economy, the environment or the livestock industry. Australia currently has 66 diseases listed as an EAD. This list includes exotic diseases, emerging new diseases and some endemic diseases of significance.

Endemic disease Diseases which are already established in the region, state/territory and/or country

Equipment Any equipment that might be used at the saleyards, e.g. plant equipment such as vehicles or manual equipment such as shovels, brooms etc.

Exotic disease Diseases which are not found in Australia.

Export Slaughter Interval (ESI)

Minimum period that must lapse between chemical application to livestock and their slaughter for export.

Feral animals A group of pest species within your state that have impacts on native, domestic and livestock species, by predation, competition for food, shelter, destroying habitat, and spreading diseases. For more information visit the PestSmart website.

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Fodder Vendor Declaration

A legal declaration that provides information about chemicals used on purchased fodder. It can be used to help manage potential chemical residues in your livestock. For a copy visit the Australian Fodder Association Industry website.

Fomite An object capable of spreading disease.

Invertebrate Covers the classes of animals that do not have a spine.

Johne’s Beef Assurance Score(J-BAS)

A voluntary industry risk profiling tool for the management of Johne’s disease in beef cattle. More information on J-BAS can be found here.

Limited access area An area that has restricted access, e.g. an area that might be closed to the public.

Livestock Includes horses, cattle, sheep, goats, deer, pigs, South American camelids, poultry and any other production or farmed species.

Passive surveillance Passive surveillance is considered to be where a producer monitors their herd and reports disease where required. It is not a structured program like active surveillance where data is collected and then used to promote proof of freedom claims.

Pests These include insects which can spread disease.

Property biosecurity

Managing the risk of pests, diseases and weeds from entering, establishing or spreading onto or off your property.

Raw stock feed Refers to raw products such as grains and hay that have not been processed

Registerable biosecurity entity – (QLD only)

Any person that keeps the threshold number or more of designated animals or designated biosecurity matter.

Manufactured stock feed

Refers to products that have undertaken a process and comes packaged in a consistent manner.

Movement record All paperwork associated with the movement of livestock and horses. This will differ in each state or territory.

National Livestock Identification System (NLIS)

Australia’s system for the identification and traceability of cattle, sheep and goats.

National Vendor Declaration (NVD)

A form of movement documentation available to LPA accredited producers.

Notifiable/ Reportable

Diseases, declared pests or declared or invasive plants which must be reported to your relevant state or territory government department. Check what diseases are notifiable in your area here.

Persistent Persistent chemicals are substances such as organochlorine pesticides

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chemicals (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead, arsenic and cadmium. They stay in the environment and may impact on human health, the environment, and trade. Persistent chemicals can be found in sites such as: Rubbish dumps Old stock yards and dip sites Chemical storage sheds Machinery Power poles

Paddocks that have grown OC-treated crops

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment or clothing worn by workers to reduce their exposure to hazards. PPE can also reduce the potential spread from the worker to other livestock.

Residues Chemicals that can be found in meat and animal products that can pose a potential food safety concern. This includes persistent chemicals, animal and weed treatments (such as antibiotics, insecticides, herbicides) or fertilisers.

Restricted Animal Material (RAM)

RAM is any material taken from a vertebrate animal, other than tallow, gelatine, milk products or oils. It includes rendered products such as blood meal, meat meal, meat and bone meal, fish meal, poultry meal, feather meal, and compounded feeds made from these products. RAM is in certain stock feed and may be unknowingly fed to ruminants if it is not managed.

Swill feeding Swill feeding is the feeding of meat and meat products to livestock including pigs. Swill feeding has been banned in Australia since 1997.

Vertebrate A vertebrate is an animal that has a spine.

Withholding Period (WHP)

Minimum time after an animal is treated with a veterinary medicine or pesticide before it may be legally slaughtered for human consumption.

Zoonotic disease Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

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STOCK INVENTORYIndicate how many animals you may have on hand at any given time. Delete any table that is not applicable.

Note: This is an estimate and is more to show the type and quantity of species that your saleyard may have on hand at any given time in the event of an emergency disease outbreak.

WEEKLY SALES:

Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

Cattle

Sheep

Goats

Pigs

Horses

Chickens

Donkeys

Alpacas

Other

MONTHLY OR ANNUAL SALES:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Cattle

Sheep

Goats

Pigs

Horses

Chickens

Donkeys

Alpacas

Other

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WEEKLY TRANSIT CENTER FIGURES (IF KNOWN):

Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun

Cattle

Sheep

Goats

Pigs

Horses

Chickens

Donkeys

Alpacas

Other

MONTHLY OR ANNUAL TRANSIT CENTER FIGURES (IF KNOWN):

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Cattle

Sheep

Goats

Pigs

Horses

Chickens

Donkeys

Alpacas

Other

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Define who is responsible for which tasks in your saleyard.

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SALEYARDS RESPONSIBILITIES

AGENT RESPONSIBILITIES

10

SALEYARD BIOSECURITY RISK MANAGEMENTLIVESTOCK AND OTHER ANIMALS

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Non-Notifiable/Endemic disease Livestock could enter without clinical signs Livestock could enter with clinical signs

Non-notifiable diseases can be already established within your state/territory but can still have a significant impact if left unmanaged.

☐ Ensure all consignments have an animal health declaration which informs saleyard operators of incoming health concerns (if any) and gives the buyer information relevant to endemic diseases.

☐ Ensure transport companies are familiar with requirements and that any sick or injured livestock are not to be brought to the saleyard.

☐ Have a procedure in place to manage any signs of sickness or disease within the saleyard.

☐ When an animal becomes unwell it should be withdrawn from sale, isolated and assessed by a qualified person.

Notifiable/Endemic disease (diseases that are present in Australia but are notifiable and must be reported to your state or territory). Livestock could enter without clinical signs Livestock could enter with clinical signs

Non-notifiable diseases can be already established within your state/territory but can still have a significant impact if left unmanaged.

☐ Ensure all consignments have an animal health declaration which informs saleyard operators of incoming health concerns (if any) and gives the buyer information relevant to endemic diseases.

☐ Ensure transport companies are familiar with requirements and that any sick or injured livestock are not to be brought to the saleyard.

☐ Have a procedure in place to manage any signs of sickness or disease within the saleyard.

☐ When an animal becomes unwell it should be withdrawn from sale, isolated and assessed by a qualified person.

☐ Report disease or suspicion of disease to the relevant authority or the emergency animal disease hotline 1800 675 888.

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Notifiable Exotic Disease Notifiable diseases can have serious economic impacts

on production. Livestock could enter without clinical signs Livestock could enter with clinical signs Notifiable diseases have reporting requirements Notifiable diseases may already be established in regions of your state/territory.

☐ Know notifiable diseases relevant to your state or territory and keep an up to date list with this biosecurity plan.

☐ Implement a ‘process for emergency disease at saleyards’ protocol (see Appendix 1 of this plan: emergency disease action plan) including isolation of sick livestock.

☐ When an animal becomes unwell it should be withdrawn from sale, isolated and assessed by a qualified person.

☐ Report suspicions to relevant authorities.

Cattle Tick (for free zone saleyards; infested zone saleyards may wish to delete)

Livestock entering the saleyard could: Bring cattle tick into the free zone and stop / delay the

sale. You may sell cattle that then infects a client’s

property.

NB Cattle tick found in the free zone are a notifiable event in some states.

☐ Ensure all incoming livestock from the infested zone are accompanied by proof ofclean status as per state and territory requirements.

☐ Inspect % of livestock at saleyard from Infested Zone.☐ Report all cattle tick findings to the relevant authority.

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Johne’s Disease Johne’s disease has been deregulated in most states/territories, producers must now manage their risk proportionate to the markets they access.

Livestock entering the saleyard may have Johne’s disease but be showing no clinical signs.

Industry assurance scores and/or programs are a tool available to producers to assist them in managing risk.

Saleyards should, where possible, manage the risk of Johne’s disease so that producers can maintain confidence in assurance scores.

Johne’s disease is still a notifiable disease and must be reported to the relevant state/territory.

☐ Report Johne’s disease-infected consignments to relevant authority. ☐ Announcing assurance scores, such as the Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (J-BAS).

For example, if the saleyard sells beef cattle:☐ Agents to announce J-BAS 7, J-BAS 8 or J-BAS 0☐ If J-BAS 0 enters the saleyard check the CHD to see if there is infection and

announce J-BAS 0 status. ☐ If J-BAS 6 – no announcement.

☐ If you allow infected animals to be sold through the saleyard management of infection protocols / decontamination procedures should be defined.

☐ Provide copies of animal health declarations to buyers who request one ☐ Have a pre-sale summary available to perspective buyers.☐ Have assurance score status in pre-sale summary. ☐ Utilise an ‘animal health declaration supplied’ symbol where applicable.

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Animal Welfare Practices and equipment that result in poor animal welfare outcomes and can reflect negatively on industry.

Poor animal welfare practices may also breach state animal welfare legislation.

☐ Ensure yards are built and maintained to national standards according to Australia Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Livestock at Saleyards and Depots

☐ Advice may also be taken from Safe Work Australia- guideline to handling cattle. (Appendix 3 – loading ramps) to minimise risk of injury to animals from the infrastructure.

☐ Regularly monitor yards for any potential hazards that could injure livestock. ☐ If an animal is injured it should be withdrawn from sale, isolated, assessed and

treated by a qualified person. ☐ Ensure you have a copy of the Australia Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines –

Livestock at Saleyards and Depots on hand at all times. ☐ Ensure staff are familiar with state legislation in regards to animal welfare.☐ Have a process in place for the use of photography and social media at the facility.

This process should include staff interaction with social media and what to do if an injured animal is photographed by a member of the pubic (e.g. reporting this to the manager).

☐ Do not sell animals that are not fit for sale. ☐ Monitor incoming and outgoing livestock to ensure all livestock are fit to load. ☐ If livestock are deemed unfit to load have a procedure to manage these animals eg:

euthanasia isolating animals, feeding animals until strong enough for travel, treating wounds, seeking veterinary advice.

WATER

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Animal drinking water Water can bring in contaminants, disease and weed seeds.

☐ Ensure water is appropriate and fit for purpose.☐ Describe how water is provided to saleyards.

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Disease-causing organisms can survive for a long time in water sources until they find a suitable host.

☐ Any troughs are cleaned after each sale (as per water trough cleaning procedure)☐ Regularly inspect water sources for contaminants ☐ Ensure water sources including tanks are secured from access by wildlife / feral

animals.☐ Don’t allow water to stagnate as it may attract insects and other pests that can

spread disease.

Wash down water Wash down water may contain contaminants, disease and weed seeds. This can be from the water source itself (eg: non-treated water or reticulated water) or from run off from the vehicle/equipment that is being washed down.

☐ Don’t allow water to stagnate as it may attract insects and other pests that can spread disease.

☐ Ensure water that is not fit for consumption is clearly signposted.☐ Ensure area is contained with bund wall to prevent weed spread.

Water used for buildings Water used for buildings may not be potable causing risks to human health.

☐ Ensure all water that comes into contact with humans or may be used for human consumption, such as taps and kitchen facilities, is to appropriate standard.

☐ Ensure water that is not fit for human consumption is clearly signposted.

Water CurfewsIncoming animals may be nearing maximum ‘time off water’ curfews.

☐ Ensure animals travelling long distances are placed on water within water curfew time.

☐ Abide by curfews set out in Australia Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Livestock at Saleyards and Depots

Water shortage Water shortages could occur in a saleyard through failing infrastructure or contamination rendering the water unsuitable for use. This could result in: animal welfare incidents livestock death or injury breaches of legislation dusty yards.

☐ Have a backup water source in addition to water source currently being utilised. ☐ Ensure water is from a reputable source.☐ If recycled water is utilised – it must be treated in accordance with effluent and grey

water management.☐ Distinguish drinking water from non-drinkable. ☐ Ensure infrastructure is regularly maintained (water pipes, troughs and sprinkler

systems).

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Water run-off Water run-off is at risk of spreading faecal run off in certain conditions

☐ Ensure run off is contained to the saleyard property only.

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ANIMAL FEED

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Chemical residue contamination through feed Stock feed entering the saleyard could contain chemical residue from previous herbicide / pesticide treatments which could affect food safety through withholding periods and export slaughter intervals.

☐ Ensure feed is purchased from a trusted supplier. ☐ Inspect animal feeds upon arrival to ensure it is fit for purpose. ☐ Request a Commodity Vendor Declaration for each batch of stock feed (hay). ☐ Regularly inspect feed supplies to ensure they remain secured and fit for purpose.☐ Ensure you know the expiry date of any feed you purchase and use it before that

date or dispose of it safely.☐ Store animal feed in an area fit for purpose.☐ Keep animal feed covered to prevent feed from becoming contaminated. ☐ Clean feed troughs regularly to remove stale, mouldy and faecal contaminated feed.☐ Dispose of old or contaminated feed safely, keeping it away from livestock.☐ Clean any feed spills promptly to prevent spread around the saleyards by wind or

other means (vehicle wheels, clothing etc.).

Weed introduction through feedFeed given to livestock during the sale could contain weed seeds, spreading weeds to the saleyard grounds as well as to properties where the stock may be delivered to.

☐ Request a Fodder Declaration for each batch of stock feed.☐ Ensure feed is purchased from a trusted supplier in an area free of weeds or with a

reduced risk.☐ Inspect animal feed products upon arrival to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Restricted Animal Material (RAM) RAM is any material taken from a vertebrate animal, other than tallow, gelatine, milk products or oils. It includes rendered products such as blood meal, meat meal, meat and bone meal, fish meal, poultry meal, feather meal, and compounded feeds made from these products. RAM is in certain stock feed and may be unknowingly fed to ruminants if it is not managed.

☐ Ensure any stock feed that is fed to ruminants at the saleyards does not contain RAM.

☐ Store feed containing RAM separately in labelled containers. ☐ Ensure all staff feeding livestock understand RAM requirements to prevent

accidental feeding.☐ If handling other items that are classified as RAM ensure they are dealt with in

accordance to legislative requirement.

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Australian ban on swill feeding Feeding meat products to animals is a dangerous practice and can increase the risks of serious disease incursions. Due to the unacceptable risk that this practice poses, Australia has a ban on feeding swill to pigs.

“Put simply, pigs must not be fed or be allowed to eat meat or meat products, or anything that has been in contact with meat or meat products. This includes food scraps, bakery waste, waste from restaurants and untreated used cooking oils and fats” (Australian Pork Ltd).

☐ Do not feed swill to pigs. ☐ Report any suspicions of swill feeding. ☐ Animals that are suspected of being fed swill should be isolated and reported to the

relevant authority.☐ Ensure visitors food scraps cannot enter pig enclosures (signage or bins near eating

areas).

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EFFLUENT / CARCASS MANAGEMENT

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Effluent and solid wasteEffluent and solid waste can harbor large quantities of disease causing bacteria such as E.coli, salmonella or campylobacter and pose a risk to animal and human health if it is not adequately managed. Waste systems that may be in place at the saleyards include: septic tanks / transpiration beds grey water from amenities effluent ponds effluent from livestock carriers e.g. tanks or crate recycled water

☐ Keep septic systems fenced off / separate from livestock. ☐ Grey water or recycled water should be treated in accordance to state based

guidelines if it is reused in the saleyards. ☐ Livestock should never come into contact with untreated grey water especially

young animals. ☐ Have a designated wash out area for livestock carriers to wash out effluent / empty

tanks. ☐ Select wash out areas / disposal sites to avoid the potential spread of contaminants

by water.☐ Manage effluent dispersal to minimise drift by using vegetation in plantations or

windbreaks to reduce effluent transfer.☐ Ensure government requirements for effluent and waste management are adhered

to when applicable.

Carcass management (day to day)Carcasses of dead animal can harbor pathogens and or disease that can spread to live animals (e.g. botulism).

☐ Dead animal carcasses should be disposed of appropriately. ☐ The carcass should be removed from the pen as soon as possible or other animals

moved away from the carcass as soon as practical.☐ Disposal methods available are:

☐ burning☐ burial☐ composting ☐ professional disposal

☐ Thoroughly clean and disinfect any equipment that was used for disposal including personal protective equipment (PPE).

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Carcass disposal (during an emergency animal disease)Carcasses of dead animal can harbor pathogens and or disease that can spread to live animals therefore having a plan to dispose of multiple carcasses is critical in disease suppression.

☐ Disposal methods available are:☐ burning ☐ burial☐ composting ☐ professional disposal

☐ Thoroughly clean and disinfect any equipment that was used for disposal including personal protective equipment (PPE).

Describe what methods are available for mass disposal

Waste beddingUsed bedding material can spread disease, pests and weeds to other areas of the property/other livestock.

☐ Dispose of bedding in a secure location and prevent access from other livestock. ☐ If stored on-site, monitor the area for the germination of new weeds. ☐ If waste is being removed from the saleyard, ensure the new location know and

understand the biosecurity risk (eg: garden material).

INVASIVE SPECIES

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Feral animals Feral animals can bring in disease and weed seeds as well as injuring animals and causing damage to infrastructure.

☐ Maintain boundary fences.☐ Fence off dump areas. ☐ Keep bins empty. ☐ Manage carcass dumps. ☐ Participate in feral animal management programs.

Weed spread from livestock Livestock may be from weed infested areas and may still have weed seeds in the gut. This could result in spread of new weeds into the saleyard and new areas after sale.

☐ Monitor the saleyard regularly for any signs of emerging weeds and treat as appropriate to prevent their spread.

☐ Feed only quality stock feed as per animal feed section.☐ If using a chemical observe withholding periods and ensure livestock do not have

access to areas that a chemical has been used.

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Weed spread regionally Weeds may spread via wind dispersion, livestock, equipment and human movement.

☐ Maintain a list of problematic weeds within your area. ☐ Work with neighbouring land holders to minimise weeds where possible.

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SOIL/PROPAGATION

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Soil, Plants and SeedsSoil and plant material can carry diseases, pests, weed seeds, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens.

☐ Ensure these products are obtained from a reputable supplier.☐ Check out state legislation before moving these items as some have movement

restriction on soil and plant material.☐ Obtain the correct permissions and paperwork to move these items when

applicable (state based legislation). ☐ Inspect the product on arrival.☐ Regularly inspect where products were used for emerging weeds.

Fertilisers Fertilisers can carry diseases, pests, weed seeds, bacteria, fungi and other pathogens. Some fertilisers can also contain Restricted Animal Material (RAM).

☐ Ensure these products are obtained from a reputable supplier.☐ Adhere to any withholding periods after application.☐ Store product securely to avoid any contamination.☐ Ensure all staff are aware of further obligations when dealing with restricted animal

material.

EMERGENCY WEATHER EVENT PLANNING

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Bushfire A bushfire in close proximity to the saleyard could result in: animal welfare incidents livestock death or injury

☐ Have a procedure for dealing with a bushfire, such as an evacuation protocol ☐ Install a sprinkler system that will keep animals cool if evacuation is not practical.

Flood A flood in close proximity to the saleyards could result in:

☐ Have a procedure for dealing with a flood, such as an evacuation protocol.☐ If the saleyard is in a flood prone area then monitoring the area for emerging pests

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

animal welfare incidents livestock death or injury spreading of contaminated biosecurity matter.

and weeds after a flood is imperative. ☐ Monitor livestock after a flood for signs of illness and disease. ☐ Clean down and disinfect any infrastructure that may have been affected by flood

waters.

Extreme weather conditionsExtreme weather events could result in: animal welfare incidents livestock death or injury hypothermia hyperthermia spreading of contaminated biosecurity matter through

water displacement.

☐ Ensure livestock breeds are fit for purpose for the climate conditions of the saleyard.

☐ Provide shade or shelter where practical particularly if in an area that experiences weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold and storm events.

☐ Ensure adequate water supply is available.☐ Ensure feed is appropriate to weather conditions.☐ Ensure pens are not over crowded. ☐ Monitor animals over periods of extreme weather (hot or cold). ☐ Treat affected animals accordingly.

EMERGENCY DISEASE PLANNING

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Emergency Animal Disease Contagious diseases amongst susceptible species can spread quickly, indirectly and/or indirectly if not contained immediately. Spread of disease can result in:

☐ All staff / persons handling livestock should be familiar with signs and symptoms of illness and disease.

☐ drooling ☐ lameness

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

stock illness/deaths value loss of affected livestock production loss suspension or cancelation of sale market impact and value depreciation.

☐ multiple animals displaying unusual symptoms ☐ diarrhea

☐ All staff / persons handling livestock should be familiar with reporting procedures (e.g. report any unusual death).

☐ Display signage for animal health where practical. ☐ Continually monitor livestock for signs of illness. ☐ Complete a national livestock saleyard standstill action plan. ☐ If a notifiable disease, emergency disease or exotic follow the emergency disease

action plan (appendix 1).

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PEOPLE VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

People

Contaminants spread via people who do not have contact with saleyard livestock(people who do not have contact with sale stock e.g. members of the public)

These people are a risk of spreading: weed seeds diseases spread by fomites (clothing, shared

equipment) contaminated soil and livestock feacal matter via

footwear (Q-fever, worms, Johne’s disease, external and internal parasites, bacteria, fungal spores etc.)

as they will likely still have animals at home.

☐ Keep members of the public segregated from sale animals through use of designated areas and no access areas signage.

☐ Have a disinfection / brush down / footbath area on site and encourage persons attending the sale to use when entering and exiting if required.

Contaminants spread via people who have contact with saleyard livestock(people who do have contact with sale livestock e.g. agents, veterinarians or employees)

These people are a risk of spreading: Weed seeds Diseases spread by fomites (clothing, shared

equipment) Contaminated soil and livestock faecal matter via

footwear (Q-fever, worms, JD, external and internal parasites, bacteria, fungal spores etc.)

because they will likely have contact with other livestock.

☐ Those who must have contact with animals should wear clean PPE (come to the yards showered and in fresh clothes, boots should not be overly dirty). Refuse access to areas to those who do not comply.

☐ Have a disinfection / brush down / foot baths area on site and encourage persons to use when entering and exiting.

☐ Ensure all visitors and employees that handle animals understand biosecurity procedures and reporting requirements.

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Contaminants spread via people who have recently been outside of Australia or are currently visiting Australia from overseas. Overseas travelers can introduce animal diseases not

present in Australia. Those coming from a country with Foot and Mouth Disease currently present in the country (endemic or outbreak) can pose a higher risk of introducing the disease into Australia.

Saleyards also facilitate the movement of livestock throughout Australia which could further spread an exotic disease.

☐ Where possible deter persons from attending a sale whom have visited overseas within the last seven days.

☐ Have a ‘return to work’ policy in place for employees that travel internationally to countries that have diseases on the national notifiable list of terrestrial animals

☐ Have signage at sale yard entry to alert visitors to the risk of fomite transmission.

Zoonotic disease Zoonotic diseases are a risk to human health with both short term and long term impacts. All persons who come in contact with livestock are at risk of zoonotic disease.

The likelihood of contracting a zoonotic disease increases when large numbers of animals are congregated having travelled from multiple regions.

☐ Encourage staff to be vaccinated for zoonotic diseases where possible or promote their existence through signage and management.

☐ Manage dust to minimise inhalation (e.g. utilise a sprinkler system).☐ Ensure water sources used for human consumption or hand washing are from a

potable source. ☐ Maintain segregation of people and livestock where possible (e.g. no public access

to livestock). ☐ Encourage use of PPE and hygiene practices when handling / coming into contact

with livestock.

Vehicles

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Contaminants spread via vehicles These vehicles may pose a risk of spreading the following (on and off): weed seeds diseases spread on internal, external shell of vehicle

and undercarriage (fomites) contaminated soil and livestock faecal matter via

tyres.

☐ Have designated areas for members of the public to park their vehicles that can be managed for weeds.

☐ Ensure this designated area is as far as practical from where livestock are housed. ☐ Monitor the designated area for signs of weeds regularly.☐ Ensure all vehicles park only in the designated car park.☐ Have the designated car park clearly signposted.☐ Do not allow unauthorised vehicles to access restricted areas.☐ Vehicles that do require access to restricted areas (e.g. back yards, loading ramps

etc) should enter and exit as clean as possible (i.e. free from weed seeds and where practical faecal matter.

Contaminations spread by livestock carrier vehicles (trucks, livestock trailers etc) Including: weed seeds diseases spread on internal, external shell of vehicle

and undercarriage contaminated soil and livestock faecal matter via tyres

and livestock crate areas.

☐ Livestock carrier vehicles should enter the saleyard as clean as possible. ☐ Restricted areas should be identified through biosecurity signage including contact

details. ☐ Restricted areas should remain segregated from animals where practical. ☐ Provide a wash-down facility to clean livestock carrier vehicles prior to leaving. ☐ Provide areas for livestock carrier to empty out effluent tanks. Ensure this area

complies with effluent management procedures.

Equipment

Contamination spread by equipment (plant equipment) Shared equipment or equipment used at the saleyard also poses a risk of spreading: weed seeds diseases spread on internal, external shell of

equipment and undercarriage contaminated soil, faecal matter or bodily fluids.

☐ Ensure equipment is cleaned after use.☐ When the item has been used after or during a disease or weed outbreak, the

equipment should be washed thoroughly and disinfected each time after use. ☐ In the event that equipment is being used for removal of manure or dead animal

management follow procedure in carcass management.

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Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Record keeping requirements In the case of an emergency disease outbreak, movement tracing may be necessary. This is likely to be time sensitive to prevent further spread. Good record keeping allows for fast and accurate trace back.

☐ Keep accurate records of persons who visited the saleyards. ☐ Templates:

☐ Visitors log ☐ Vendor log

TRAINING

Biosecurity risk Recommended Biosecurity PracticeProcedure

(if different from recommended biosecurity

practice)

Risk Rating

Staff and contractors are required to have the skills to carry out their duties in a saleyard.Failure to train staff could result in: injury or illness to a staff member death of a staff member injury to livestock death of livestock damage to infrastructure delay in biosecurity reporting breach of animal welfare legislation loss of industry accreditation inadequate records kept breach of other relevant livestock legislation cancelation or postponement of sale day injury or illness to a visitor

☐ Ensure staff are competent to carry out their duties. ☐ Ensure staff are all trained in the duties they are expected to perform. ☐ Ensure staff and contractors all receive induction training at the start of their

employment and attend training regularly. ☐ Record training given to staff.☐ Ensure staff are training in identifying disease and illness in livestock. ☐ Ensure staff are training in reporting requirements.☐ Ensure staff are aware of all legislation that is applicable to the business.☐ Ensure all staff have access and have read the animal welfare standards and

guidelines. ☐ Ensure all staff and contractors have access to policies and procedures (including the

saleyard biosecurity plan).

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RECORD MANAGEMENT

Record requirement Why do we keep these records? Supporting documents/systems Who is responsible?

People records (visitors to sale, vendors)

People records must be kept for traceability purposes in the event of a disease outbreak.

Visitor log Vendor sheets/recordsBuyer records (bid cards, delivery instructions) Staff time sheets Contractor time sheets Induction records

NLIS/traceability NLIS records are mandatory for some species. Saleyards must complete in and out transfers for livestock that require NLIS transfers. Untagged animals may also be required to be reported in your state.

NLIS database Tracing standards for cattle, pigs, sheep and goats.

National Vendor Declaration (NVDs) and movement records

NVD waybills must be received for livestock to be sold through a saleyard. NVD waybills or saleyard waybills must be kept for a period of _____ years (state dependent)

NVD

Animal health records Records of animal health are important for disease traceability, chemical usage and demonstrating animal welfare practices.Animal welfare incidents may also be required to be reported in your state (animals that travel that are unfit for loading, etc) Records can assist saleyards in proving they abide by animal welfare legislation in your state.

Mortality records Animal treatment records Animal Welfare Incident form Animal welfare standards and guidelines Fit to load guide

Stock feed records Stock feed records support legislative requirement in regards to RAM. Stock feed records assist in ensuring traceability in the event of a contamination detection. Commodity vendor declarations ensure that the responsible person is aware of any chemical residues that might exist to prevent accidental feeding to livestock.

Invoice for bulk stock feeds Commodity vendor declaration Fodder declarations

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Record requirement Why do we keep these records? Supporting documents/systems Who is responsible?

Chemicals used on premise (pesticides and herbicides)

Records of chemicals including chemicals used for weed spraying. Contaminated sites, contaminated infrastructure, discarded batteries and other equipment, baiting programs within the area.

Chemical usage record Contaminated site records Location of any old equipment dumps on premises Details of any feral animal management programs.

Training records Training records can be used to support WHS responsibilities and staff mentoring programs, to support legislation and industry programs, indicate due diligence and be used as proof of ongoing training, upskilling and skill maintenance.

Staff training records Training records Staff / contractor induction packages

WHS records Workplace health and safety records are important in the event of an accident in the workplace.

Diaries / notebook notes

Biosecurity plan A biosecurity plan should be reviewed every 12 months and be made available to all interested parties (employees, visitors etc.)

This biosecurity plan Action plan for saleyard livestock standstill. All other policies and procedures referred to in this document

Other: □ Soil□ Plants □ Seeds □ Fertilizer □ Manure

Records relating to soil, plant matter, fertilizer and manure that is moved to or from the saleyard aids in traceability and disease spread management. Movement of soil and plants may be restricted from certain areas and its movement may have legislative requirements. Records of where manure goes to should also be kept. Animal faeces and some fertilisers are considered as RAM and therefore receivers should be made aware of this as so they can model their practices to ensure ruminants do not have access to restricted animal material.

Management diary notes Register of incoming and outgoing products.

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APPENDIX 1: EAD ACTION PLAN

Emergency Animal Disease Action Plan

1 Contain and isolate livestock in a secure location on the premises

2Contact the relevant authority or the emergency disease hotline on 1800 675 888. Have a notebook and pen handy when you make the call.

3 Follow instructions provided by the relevant authority and record their instructions in the notebook

4 Stop all movement of animals on and off the property

5 Stop all other movements onto the property (cancel all deliveries, close and lock the gate, etc.)

6 Limit or prevent unnecessary movements of all staff, vehicles, and equipment around the property

7Ensure NO staff, visitors, vehicles, or equipment leave the property until cleared by the relevant authority

8Locate your biosecurity plan and gather your livestock movement records in case the relevant authority requires it.

9 Keep staff and visitors updated on the situation

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